VFS Intro to Cinematography (Online) JAN 21 - MAR 4, 2026

Cinematography is the art and technique of camera and lighting in the making of a motion picture film. It involves technical concerns related to camera, lenses, and accessories, as well as various lighting instruments, in order to tell the story in visual terms. Good cinematography enhances storytelling and works hand-in-hand with other visual aspects of the film. In this seven-week course, you will explore the role cinematography plays in film, and you will delve into its fundamentals. By the end of this course, you will apply what you learned to enhance how you tell a simple story in a project of your own.

Course Details:

Dates: January 21 to March 4, 2026

Duration: 7-week course, one online class per week

Time: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. PST

Cost: $950

Learning Outcomes – Participants Will:

Learn about the four factors that change the exposure of an image – light level, sensitivity, shutter speed, and aperture.

Understand aspect ratios and appreciate the emotional and aesthetic impact of placement of a subject within a frame.

Identify the different types of lenses and focal lengths.

Expand your knowledge of composition to employ more advanced techniques to create mood and emotion.

Understand the elements and properties of lighting, and apply these to create images that enhance the scene.

Understand image resolution and how framerate and playback speed interact.

Understand the role cinematography plays: an enhancement to the story, not a substitute or distraction.

Be able to give and to take constructive criticism to better yourself as a filmmaker.

Apply your knowledge by completing a simple story either as still frames or moving images.

Requirements:

Computer, microphone, and camera

Any video capturing device (cell phone or other)

Not required but recommended: video editing software of your choice

Stable Internet connection

Prerequisites:

Students are not required to have any previous training or experience.